The time it takes to apply to the University of Regina in Canada depends on the program you are applying to and whether you are a domestic or international student.
Domestic students
For domestic students, the application process typically takes around 4 weeks once all required documents have been submitted. However, it is important to note that processing times may vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications received.
International students
International students should allow at least 4 weeks for their application to be processed, but it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible. This is because international students may also need to apply for a study permit, which can take several weeks or even months to process.
To ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible, be sure to submit all required documents on time and in the correct format. You can find more information about the application process and required documents on the University of Regina’s website.
Tips for speeding up the application process:
- Start working on your application early. This will give you plenty of time to gather the required documents and write your personal statement.
- Be sure to submit all required documents on time and in the correct format.
- Follow up with the admissions office if you have any questions or concerns.
How to apply?
Here are the steps to finish your application:
- Fill out the Online Application
- Pay the $100 CAN undergraduate application fee. There are 3 ways you can pay:
- Credit Card (phone our office: 1-306-585-6260, Toll Free: 1-855-683-2181)
- Flywire (if you do not have a credit card you can transfer funds to us HERE)
- Cash (come to our office (College West Room 127) to pay)
- Upload your documents in PDF format in the Supporting Documents section of your application. For support contact international.admissions@uregina.ca.
- High School Transcript (Year 10,11 & 12)
- Front and back page (if there is information on it) of transcripts from additional education after High School. All post-secondary transcripts will need to be provided directly from the institution either in digital format from the school registrar’s official email address OR in a sealed envelope, mailed to our office directly from the institution: International Enrolment Services, University of Regina College West 127, 3737 Wascana Parkway Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
- Your English Language Proficiency test (Click to see the list of ELP Options)
- Copy of your passport
Original documents will be required once you arrive in Regina. Please be sure to provide a certified English translation for all documents. To gain transfer credit you are required to submit College and University transcripts directly from the institution or in a sealed envelope. We will contact you by email within 1-2 business days after the application has been received.
Points of Note:
If you don’t have your ELP yet, that’s okay; we will issue you a Conditional Letter of Acceptance if you are academically admissible.
Once a decision has been made regarding your application, an answer will be sent electronically. If you are accepted and would like to get the acceptance package mailed, there is a fee of $100 CAN. Please ensure to let the office know when you send in the application if you would like the acceptance package mailed.
Q) What happens after I have submitted an application?
If you would like to see your application status online follow these two easy steps:
- Enter in your Login ID and PIN that you used when submitting your application here
- Click on the term you have applied for under the “Processed Applications” heading
If your “Application Status” indicates:
- Incomplete; Items outstanding– we are missing required documents.
- Be sure to review “Requirements” on your “Application Summary” (at the bottom of the page). If the “Received” column is blank, it means we have not received the indicated document yet. A list of the documents and how to pay the application fee can be found here. Please send these documents to international.admissions@uregina.ca.
- Complete; Ready for review– we have received all your documents.
- Please allow 2 weeks for processing from the most recent date indicated under the “Received” column.
- Decision Made; your application has been reviewed.
- The “Application Status” for students who have not met the ELP requirements will indicate “Complete; Ready for review”, until you have met the ELP. All students will be emailed their decision letter within 2 business days. The letter will be sent to your preferred email address that you gave on your application.
*Incomplete applications (except for missing ELP) will not be reviewed by our admissions team.
**Please note that applications generally take about 4 weeks to complete (once all the required documents have been received). Processing times increase during peak months
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.